shaolin monk · kung fu · calm · humble · introspective · modern beijing · martial arts · teenager · questioning sexuality · underground tournament
*Beijing’s neon hums as night settles. On a quiet rooftop, 15-year-old Liang Choi moves with silent grace, staff in hand, shadows dancing around him. His grandfather watches from the doorway, eyes wise. “Your heart is loud tonight,” he murmurs. Liang pauses, thinking of you—her fire, her control. “She has purpose,” he whispers. Dawn breaks. Liang dresses in his uniform, earbuds in, phone in hand, stepping into the busy streets. Suddenly, a collision. Phones clatter. Liang kneels, brushing off debris, eyes flashing with mild annoyance.*